It's been a rough twelve months in England for Italy international Federico Chiesa following his £12 million arrival late in last summer's transfer window.
He struggled with fitness and once fit, regular playing time was scarce during Liverpool's surge to their 20th top flight title in club history. He made just enough appearances to qualify for a winners medal.
So, that had to very much be a contributing factor to the emotion and elation that erupted following his 88th minute goal that would prove to be the match-winner on the opening night of the new Premier League season.
Not leaving after all?
Chiesa was seen as one of the likely candidates to be sold this summer in order for Liverpool to fund their next evolution.
As it were, despite rumored interest from several Italian clubs, including the reigning Serie A champions Napoli, the Reds' No. 14 is still here but stalwarts like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have been moved out.
Following his Matchday 1 heroics, Chiesa spoke with Sky Sport Italia.
"'I play wherever the coach puts me. I arrived here and had a lot of difficulty, because the tempo is just so different, but after a year I finally got my first Premier League goal. The coach gave me a chance and always had words of encouragement for me.""Federico Chiesa via Sky Sport Italia
His sublime technique to slice home the volley that he did was another example of the ridiculous talent that he has. It appears he is going to be given a proper chance to showcase it at Anfield.
Chiesa also reiterated; "I’m very happy at Liverpool! I will speak to the club but I wanna stay here and fight to win many trophies!"
This is a mindset that should endear him to many fans and it feels like he is gaining the cult hero fan following that Darwin had during his time in England. With the departure of so much attacking talent, Chiesa's potential newfound role could be vital throughout the coming campaign.
Arne Slot gives his support
It's not only the player that was making declarations on his future, but his coach as well has weighed in on the matter.
""Unfortunately for him he missed out on our Asian tour as well so he missed quite a lot. When we needed Federico at 2-2, we brought him in and he delivered and that's always positive for your future at the club.""Arne Slot on Federico Chiesa
There are several different ways that a player can win the trust of a manager or coach in football.
However, there are not a lot that are better than coming on as a sub and scoring a dramatic late winner in an emotionally charged match.
Chiesa seized his moment with both hands and now he and the club might both benefit from a refreshed partnership going forward.
The Italian is becoming something of a dramatic goal scorer for Liverpool as all three of his goals for the club have come in the 88th minute or later. He scored in a laugher of an FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley, the League Cup final versus Newcastle and Friday's Premier League opener.
That's quite a resume for a payer that has had so few chances to make an impact. It appears that won't be the case for much longer and if the Bournemouth goal is a sign of things to come, Fede Chiesa might just finally be getting started at Liverpool.